Celebrate the Year of The Pig at These Local Favorites
The Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. February 5th, 2019 ushers in the Year of the Pig, the last year in the 12-year Chinese zodiac calendar-cycle. While most of the New Year’s festivities take place in Chinatown, we thought we would highlight some of our favorite Chinese cultural organizations and events in the Village and surrounding areas.
One of our favorite museums is the Museum of Chinese in America (MoCA), which is just south of us on Centre Street. Their mission is to preserve and present the history, heritage, culture and diverse experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States. They offer a wide array of exhibits and cultural programs.
On Sunday, February 17th, the 20th Annual New York City Lunar New Year Parade and Festival will wind its way through Chinatown and end at Sara D. Roosevelt Park, just a few blocks south of Houston Street.
In April and May, GVSHP will be partnering with NYU’s Asian Pacific American Institute as part of our Greenwich Village Historic District 50th Anniversary (GVHD50) celebration on a series of walking tours about Fighting Anti-Asian Discrimination in Nineteenth-Century Greenwich Village. Following the passage of the 1882 Exclusion Acts, thousands of Chinese Americans moved to New York City to escape the increase of racist violence sweeping the nation. Once here, they formed new organizations to defend their rights and assert their interests. While most of this took place in what would become Chinatown, Greenwich Village was also a center for Chinese American organizing in the late 1800s.
Food is an essential part of any Chinese New Year celebration. It’s hard to choose just a few, but here is a list of some of our favorite Chinese restaurants in the Village:
Spicy Moon Vegetarian Szechuan — 328 E 6th St (Between 1st and 2nd Avenues):
Recommended by some vegetarian GVSHP staff members, this vegan restaurant has been drawing rave reviews since opening its doors a few weeks ago. I haven’t been there myself, but based on reviews, try the chili wontons and dan dan noodles.
Sammy’s Nooodle Shop & Grill — 455 Sixth Avenue (between 10th & 11th Streets)
After frequenting Sammy’s for about 15 years, there are still items I want to try on their extensive menu. The soups and noodles are great. My favorite dishes are the spicy specialties, especially the Sliced Beef in Chili with Black Pepper Sauce.
Tim Ho Wan — 85 4th Avenue (between 10th and 11th Streets)
Another GVSHP staff favorite, this dim sum specialty shop is part of a small chain originating in Hong Kong. By 2015, four of its branches earned Michelin stars. Come early or late to avoid the crowds, but even if you have to wait for a table, it’s worth it.
Mee Noodle Shop — 223 1st Avenue (between 13th and 14th Street)
You won’t find this on a Michelin list, but I’ve been coming here for quick, casual bites with my family for close to twenty years. Formerly located a few blocks south on 1st Avenue, it’s your classic NYC Chinese take out spot.